"Business Partner – Safety and Wellbeing Systems"

Job Description:

Drive safety and wellbeing systems, partner with leaders, and embed best-practice performance across the University.

• Lead transformational safety & wellbeing systems
• Partner with leaders to drive positive change
• Shape culture, performance and engagement

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

As Business Partner – Safety and Wellbeing Systems, you will lead and enhance the University’s safety and wellbeing management systems. Partnering with leaders across the organisation, you’ll provide expert advice, strengthen engagement, and ensure robust policies, tools, and reporting frameworks are in place.

This role is pivotal in supporting transformational change—embedding effective systems, enabling leaders to confidently lead safety and wellbeing, and driving continuous improvement in performance and compliance.

Salary will be in the range of $99,865 - $110,392 per year based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based on our Hillcrest Campus.

For more information on the role please see the position description. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You’re a strategic and experienced Safety and Wellbeing professional with a strong understanding of New Zealand’s legislative framework, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. You will have:

• Minimum of four years’ experience in a Safety and Wellbeing role
• Relevant health and safety qualifications
• Legal right to work in New Zealand

You have proven experience developing and embedding effective safety and wellbeing management systems in complex environments. Credible and collaborative, you build trusted relationships, translate strategy into practical action, and use data to drive continuous improvement. You confidently coach and challenge leaders to embed a positive, inclusive safety culture and deliver high-quality outcomes.

Don’t meet every single requirement?

Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At The University of Waikato, we’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly match every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

The Safety and Wellbeing team is part of the wider People and Capability team within the University of Waikato. The Safety and Wellbeing team provides coaching, advice, information, tools and resources for University Management and staff in all aspects of health, safety and wellbeing.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close on Monday 23rd March 2026

Requisition number: 1003470

Posted: 02/03/2026